Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26, 2024, as a powerful Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. It struck near Perry, Florida, causing severe damage and flooding in the surrounding areas. Initial reports indicated storm surge levels in parts of Taylor and Dixie counties could reach as high as 15 feet.
As Helene moved inland, it weakened rapidly, transitioning to a tropical depression and impacting states like Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The storm resulted in widespread power outages affecting millions and led to significant damage, with estimated economic losses reaching up to $110 billion.
Photos courtesy North Carolina Weather Authority.
Tragically, Hurricane Helene has been linked to at least 120 fatalities across the southeastern United States. North Carolina’s governor, Roy Cooper, predicted the toll would rise as rescuers and other emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding. As of Monday, September 30, Helene’s death included North Carolina (46) South Carolina (29), Georgia (25), Florida (15), Tennessee (4) and Virginia (1).
Many of the roads and bridges necessary for emergency response are no longer intact. Restoration of electricity could take a week or even longer, and emergency services are overwhelmed. The communication infrastructure is severely damaged, complicating efforts. Neighbors, some of whom have lost their own homes, are helping each other while anxiously awaiting news from those they can’t reach.
Hurricane Helene’s destruction spanned over 500 miles, reaching from coastal Florida to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The historic mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, is now cut off, with hundreds of roads in the Carolinas closed, hindering the delivery of essential supplies and evacuation efforts. Currently, more than 2 million customers remain without power, as power companies contend with blocked roads while working to restore electricity to homes and businesses.
Reports indicate that over 700 people are missing across eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. There have been a few Facebook groups established for people to post photos and information regarding their missing loved ones: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1736857060051597 and https://www.facebook.com/groups/1822790977746257
If you wish to stay up to date on the aftermath and recovery of those affected by Hurricane Helene, the following Facebook pages are posting regular updates:
https://www.facebook.com/LiveStormChaser
https://www.facebook.com/ncweatherauthority
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, communities across eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina are in urgent need of support due to widespread damage, power outages, and communication failures. Below is a list of donation resources for Hurricane Helene relief. This list will be updated as we get more information.
Donation Information
The Sheltering Tree is collecting needed donations to send to Taylor County, Florida, with one of our dedicated overnight volunteers. Perry is the largest city in Taylor County, where the hurricane hit. Call 386-503-0816 for more info, or bring donations to our office at 205 N. Pine St., Bunnell, FL on Tuesdays 10AM – 1 PM. We will collect items during October!
United Cajun Navy – Amazon Wishlist
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3A4N5MLYU4U1Z
North Carolina Donations
Tennessee Donations
A fund with the East Tennessee Foundation has been established to begin accepting monetary donations for impacted counties. For more information on the fund and how to donate, visit the East Tennessee Foundation website.
